Welcome to the Ashby Canal Association

Ashby Canal Association was formed in 1966, born out of concern caused by progressive closure of the northern 8 miles due to mining subsidence. ACA is now actively promoting their restoration and re-connection to the navigable canal and over recent years the Association’s work-parties have significantly contributed to the voluntary effort of the restoration project.

The Association seeks to promote the canal and its surroundings as an amenity for all users, whether walkers, anglers, boaters or a canal related business. At the same time it is intent on preserving the canal’s rural character.

Our newsletter “Spout” is published quarterly and delivered to all members of the Association.

ACA organises social events at various times of the year, as well as illustrated talks during the winter months. Check our news & events page for details. Entry to our talks is free, non-members are very welcome, and the venues we use usually have a bar service available and car parking.

ACA plays a major role in organising the annual Shackerstone Family Festival and boat rally in early September and fully supports the Ashby Canal Trust and their annual Moira Canal Festival held in May.

The Association is a registered charity; it receives no funding from any official source. ACA is affiliated to the Inland Waterways Association.

Gilwiskaw Brook Aqueduct Appeal

In 1804 the the Ashby Canal was completed, including an aqueduct over the Gilwiskaw Brook. The brook runs from north of Ashby de la Zouch to the river Mease, just east of the canal crossing. The brook is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which gives it a high degree of protection for its wildlife interest.

The Ashby canal is currently being restored. A significant length has been being rebuilt north of Snarestone Wharf to the current terminus just beyond newly built bridge 62, and the canal bed has been levelled and graded beyond there.

One of the next major steps in the restoration is to get an aqueduct built to a design approved by Natural England, (the national body overseeing wildlife protection and countryside access) to replace that demolished in the 1960s when this northern length of the canal was abandoned. Leicestershire County Council now has full permission to build the canal to Measham, and you can help the Ashby Canal Association raise money towards building the new aqueduct.

How can you help?

1 – Buy a brick.2 – Buy an inscribed brick.
These bricks are planned to be included in the brickwork of the aqueduct, once the basic structure is completed, forming a lasting and visible contribution.3 – Make a donation.
To help us please CLICK HERE download a form.

Moira section restoration – Over a decade ago a mile or so of canal was restored between Donisthorpe and Moira. This stretch includes two footbridges, a swing-bridge, a road bridge, and a lock. Two slipways are available. It has matured into a lovely stretch of canal, popular with canoeists, walkers, and anglers. Trail boaters from around the country attend the annual Moira Canal Festival held at the Moira Furnace site in May. The new terminus basin is at Conkers Waterside – adjacent to the National Forest Visitor Centre.

Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs

ACA is affiliated to the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs. ACA Members can access ‘Alert’ the newsletter of the AWCC by going on to their website: www.awcc.org.uk Boating members have the benefits of AWCC membership as they travel around the waterways..

Act of Parliament

We have photographed the original Act of Parliament relating to the creation of the Ashby Canal. You can view the complete document by clicking HERE. The file may take a while to download.

Want to help us raise funds?

Please click on the link at the bottom of the page! By shopping online through Easyfundraising, participating retailers will donate a small sum of money to the ACA. This costs you nothing! Click here to see other ways of making a donation towards the restoration of the Ashby Canal.